{"id":9353,"date":"2025-07-11T13:35:17","date_gmt":"2025-07-11T11:35:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogg-regionstavanger.com\/?p=9353"},"modified":"2025-07-11T13:39:29","modified_gmt":"2025-07-11T11:39:29","slug":"norwegian-events-leading-the-way-on-gender-equality","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogg-regionstavanger.com\/en\/norwegian-events-leading-the-way-on-gender-equality\/","title":{"rendered":"Norwegian events leading the way on gender equality"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Stavanger Region are blessed with professional organisors of large annual events that put the region on the global event map. They have now lifted the bar to new levels. They not only focus on social sustainability with their work on gender equality, they have set new standards that might influence the global criterias within their sports. Let us introduce two of the event organisors leading the way – Norway Chess and Tour of Norway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Norway Chess leading the way in Gender Equality in Chess<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Norway Chess is the worlds’ strongest super tournament in chess, and has long been a frontrunner in promoting gender equality on the global chess scene. Over the years, women have held central roles in their tournaments, as chief arbiters, arbiters, commentators, press officers, and in other key positions. But in 2024, they took a significant step forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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They launched the world\u2019s first fully equal-status super tournament for women: Norway Chess Women. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Held in the same venue and timeframe as the main tournament, and with identical format and prize fund, it sets a new standard for equality in professional chess. In the lead-up to the first edition of Norway Chess Women, key figures at Norway Chess spoke about the importance of the initiative:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cIt has been a goal for us for several years now, to create a tournament for females with equal prize funds, so I\u2019m really happy that it\u2019s a reality this year,<\/em>\u201d says Benedicte Westre Skog, COO of Norway Chess.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt has to be like this now. It means a lot for women in chess, but also for everyone who has an interest in chess,\u201d added Kjell Madland, Founder and Tournament Director of Norway Chess.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The goal was to shine a spotlight on women in top-level chess \u2013 a historically underrepresented group \u2013 and to establish a new global benchmark for equality in the sport. The hope is that the visibility and success of Norway Chess Women will inspire more girls to take up chess and show young female players that a professional path is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recognizing that real change requires long-term commitment, Norway Chess Women returned in 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 2025 edition brought together six of the world\u2019s top-ranked female players (ranking, June 2025):
\u00b7 Ju Wenjun (China) \u2013 World No. 2
\u00b7 Lei Tingjie (China) \u2013 World No. 3
\u00b7 Humpy Koneru (India) \u2013 World No. 6
\u00b7 Anna Muzychuk (Ukraine) \u2013 World No. 7
\u00b7 Vaishali Rameshbabu (India) \u2013 World No. 14
\u00b7 Sarasadat Khademalsharieh (Spain) \u2013 World No. 24
Supported by Norway Chess\u2019s dedicated partners, the tournament continues to open new doors for women in professional chess.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“The second edition of Norway Chess Women was a tremendous success, and we are proud to be setting a new standard in the chess world with equal format and prize fund”,<\/em> added Kjell Madland, Founder and Tournament Director of Norway Chess.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are committed to continuing this initiative and invite sponsors who share our vision of promoting excellence in chess while advancing equality and equal pay \u2013 not just in sport, but in society at large.\u201d adds Benedicte Westre Skog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The continuation of Norway Chess Women underscores Norway Chess\u2019s commitment to lasting structural change \u2013 not just symbolic gestures. The impact is deeply felt by the players themselves. Anna Muzychuk, winner of Norway Chess Women 2025, expressed it best: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cOn behalf of all the female chess players, thank you so much for starting Norway Chess Women. It is really very important for us. I truly hope there will be future editions \u2013 and that we will see each other in the years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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Anna Muzychuk, winner of Norway Chess Women 2025 with Magnus Carlsen, winner of Norway Chess 2025. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Her words are a confirmation that these efforts matter. That Norway Chess Women is helping shape a more equal future for chess.<\/p>\n\n\n\n